NC university investigating police force at game

GREENVILLE -- Police officials at East Carolina University are investigating reports that officers used excessive force as fans stormed the football field after a Pirate victory.

University police chief Scott Shelton said investigators are reviewing photos and videotape and interviewing witnesses.

The Daily Reflector in Greenville reported Monday that witnesses described police hitting fans and throwing some to the ground after the Pirates beat West Virginia on Saturday.

Video footage showed an officer hitting someone on the ground with his fist.

Shelton said in a written statement that police were told if fans tried to come onto the field they should try to deter them by making themselves visible but were to step back if that failed.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)